Five quick thoughts from Monday’s football practice

Five quick thoughts about the Lamar University football team’s first spring practice Monday:

1. Anyone curious about Jeremy Johnson’s desire to be the starting quarterback this fall need only watch him after practice. The only person left on the field after practice, he completed footwork drills, ran 40s and run up and down the stadium stairs. He’s determined.

2. Kevin Smith looked sharp in his first action since he missed all of last season with a torn labrum. He underwent surgery before the season and decided around midseason to redshirt. He said the NCAA granted him a medical redshirt, so he’s still a sophomore and has three years of eligibility left.

3. The Cardinals have more offensive linemen, from five last season to 15 now, according to coach Ray Woodard. In reality, the Cardinals had more than five offensive linemen last season, but not many more than five. The added depth should be the biggest difference maker.

4. DePauldrick Garrett, a transfer from Navarro College, looked pretty light on his feet. Short in stature, I always likened him to a bowling ball of a runner when he played at West Orange-Stark. Running backs coach James Brown said the team will sort through eight running backs during the spring. Hopefully somebody steps up.

5. Woodard said no-contact practices like the kind held Monday were always the ones that got him in trouble as a player. He liked the contact. Running around in shorts and shirts was never his thing. He’s looking forward to seeing his players in pads again, which they’ll be Thursday, after the team has another no-contact practice Tuesday. The practice Tuesday is 3:30 p.m., probably on the stadium field. All practices are open to the public. Admission is free.